Press Release

Arabian Trainers Jim Stachowski and Brett Becker named
USEF Equestrians of Honor

Jim Stachowski of Mantua, Ohio, and Brett Becker of Grass Valley, Calif. have both been named an Equestrian of Honor by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). Stachowski will receive the C.J. 'June' Cronan Jr. Trophy, which goes to the "rider, driver or handler of any horse or pony breed shown under saddle in non-hunter and or non-western disciplines," according to USEF. Becker will receive the Barbara Worth Oakford Trophy, which goes to the "rider, driver or handler of any horse or pony breed shown in a non-reining western discipline."

Both professional trainers will be honored at the USEF Annual Meeting, January 14-18, 2009 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Equestrian of the Year is named at the Annual Meeting as well. Equestrian of the Year is chosen by USEF members, the USEF Executive Committee and media. Only those who were named Equestrians of Honor are eligible to win Equestrian of the Year. According to the USEF, the Equestrian of the Year Award is given "to the horseman or horsewoman who has excelled above all others in equestrian competition for the current year, while demonstrating superior sportsmanship and dedication to the principles, vision, and mission of the United States Equestrian Federation."

To cast your vote for Equestrian of the Year, click here.

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